Discover Kerala By Bicycle, India

Duration: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Destination: India
Tour Meets: Cochin, India
Tour Ends: Cochin, India
Season Dates: Regular - Oct 1 - Dec 19 & 11 Jan - Sept 30 | Peak Season - Dec 20 - Jan 10

Explore Kerala's natural beauty on a 4-day cycling tour from Cochin to Kumarakom. Cycle through spice farms, rubber plantations, and historic towns, ending with a serene houseboat cruise on Kerala's backwaters.

Day 1: Cochin - Paniyeli Poru
Our tour starts with picking you up from your central Fort Cochin hotel at 8 AM. After a trip briefing we are transferred to Puthankurisu where we hop on our bikes and ride to Paniyeli Poru, home to some of Kerala's most beautiful natural waterfalls. Poru in Malayalam means 'fight' and the waterfall was thus named because here the three tributaries of Periyar come together and seem to be engaged in a battle. There will be a few rises on our route, but nothing steep. We overnight at Whispering Waters, a serene riverside resort boasting a front row view of the surrounding rivulets and unspoilt nature.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Whispering Waters
Ride: 55

Day 2: Paniyeli Poru - Thodupuzha
After breakfast we continue our cycle tour in India with a ride to the ancient town of Thodupuzha. Passing fertile spice farms and rubber plantations along the way, we make our way to the historic town dating back to 300 BC when the Buddhist and Jain religions first made their inroads into Kerala. We will ride through undulating terrain, rubber plantations, forests, cross a river and visit a local village. Our destination today is Madaparambil resort – an exceptionally beautiful riverside resort.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: River Banks Madapparambil Resort
Ride: 48km

Day 3: Thodupuzha - Kumarakom
Continuing on our journey, we transfer to Pala to begin cycling towards Kumarakom. We are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding area as we ride through rubber and spice plantations. We soon arrive in Kottayam, also known as the Syrian Christian heartland of Kerala. Here grand churches dot the landscape with whitewashed facades and distinct guild ceilings. We finish our ride of the day when we hit the water's edge and the highlight of our tour. The backwaters of Kerala are expansive and the best way to explore their beauty is by sitting back and relaxing on a houseboat. Revamped rice barges, these boats now have modern amenities, including air con and a comfortable bed. What better way to see the lakes and lagoons as we leisurely cruise to meet our bikes again.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Houseboat
Ride: 48km

Day 4: Alleppey - Cochin
We dock at Alleppey, and find our bikes waiting for us for the last leg of our bicycle trip. This morning's ride will be flat as we take an old canal road, passing historic buildings and taking in the serene view of this small city. We ride toward our final destination of Cochin, passing by fishing villages on the way. Now that our adventure cycling in India has come to an end, we enjoy a farewell lunch at Fort Cochin together. Those looking to extend their time here after our India bike tour will have plenty to see and do. Spend your time swimming at the beach, sailing through the backwaters, or shop the day away at the Broadway market stalls. We recommend staying at one of Cochin’s elegant heritage hotels rich with history and beautiful architecture.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Ride: 58km

The trip is fully supported and your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of bottled water and fresh local fruits.

Biking Conditions: This trip is on dirt and tarmac roads and there is no technical riding involved on this tour. An air-conditioned support bus travels with the group to support us and participants can cycle as much or as little as they like and still enjoy the same views.

Bikes
The bikes are well-known makes of mountain bikes. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is a mountain bike, preferably with front suspension, and that it is in good mechanical order.

Bike Repairs
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.

Safety
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.

Guides
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.

Tour Price
• Price shown is for a person based on twin share accommodation.
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.

Inclusions:
• Water bottle
• Support vehicle
• Guide(s)
• Meals (as indicated)
• Hotel pick up
• Hotel drop off
• Bike and helmet
• Snacks and drinks

Exclusions:
• International flights
• Visa fees
• Alcohol
• Tips

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.